"DVORF"

“His spirit was unwavering; he was a bright person and steadfast in his convictions,” Alexander’s brothers-in-arms say. On the morning of August 6, 1994, in the settlement of Drabiv, Cherkasy Oblast, a long-awaited son was born. The boy with grayish-green eyes was named Oleksandr—“courageous, a defender of people.” He grew up healthy, smart, and curious. He learned to read early, and loved chess, nature, animals, and hiking. He enjoyed photography, fishing, playing the guitar, reading books, and was interested in history and literature. He dreamed of becoming a rescuer, and later an intensive care doctor. He studied “Medical Practice” at the First Kyiv Professional Medical College, which he entered by calling. Oleksandr always lived a healthy lifestyle; he was wise and honest. He worked at “Coca-Cola,” where he is remembered as a responsible and friendly employee. He was an active participant in the Revolution of Dignity in 2014. Military service With the start of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Oleksandr convinced his mother to leave Bucha, saving her from occupation, and that same day joined the “Azov-Kyiv” volunteer territorial defense unit. From his first battles, he showed courage and resilience. He took part in the defense of Kyiv region, including the Battle of Moshchun. Later he fought on the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Donetsk axes. While serving as a grenade launcher operator, under heavy enemy tank fire he carried a wounded brother-in-arms off the battlefield, saving his life. Oleksandr constantly improved his skills, including successfully passing the International Tactical Medicine Exam. For participation in an operation in Bakhmut, he was awarded the honorary badge “Silver Cross” by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Feat and death In September 2023, he set out on a combat mission to liberate the strategically important village of Andriivka near Bakhmut. On September 12, in a fierce battle, Oleksandr was killed. Thanks to the courage of him and his brothers-in-arms, Andriivka was liberated. He remained faithful to his oath, the Ukrainian people, and his state to his last breath. Memory and commemoration This year marks the second anniversary of his death. Oleksandr had many dreams: to start a family, get a dog, buy a motorcycle, and go traveling. He did not have time to realize them. But he left behind far more—an example of a true man, a warrior, and a son of his nation. His brothers-in-arms remember: “We will remember ‘Dvorf’ as a brave, courageous warrior, and at the same time a cheerful, intelligent, and thoughtful brother-in-arms who, despite the danger, always went into battle.” He will forever remain a symbol of resilience and dedication for us. Eternal memory and glory to Oleksandr Barsukov.